Today we turn the spotlight on Ram Rajagopalan. Ram is an Ironman and an endurance runner : all around strong athlete and super nice teammate!
WHEN DID YOU JOIN VALHALLA + VALKYRIE RACE TEAM?
I joined Valhalla in 2021
WHEN DID YOU START TRIATHLON?
My first triathlon was a sprint at No Label Tri in 2021
TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRIATHLON JOURNEY:
My triathlon journey really started after volunteering for IMTX a few times with my running group. This led to getting my road bike, and training for MS150, then I had to learn swimming, which started in 2020, and really improved after joining PGK in 2021. I completed my first half Ironman in October 2021, followed by IMTX in April 2022. Since then I completed another half and full events, in Texas.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RACE?
My favorite race was IMTX as this was my first attempt at the Ironman event.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN THIS SPORT?
My biggest accomplishment is to learn and conquer the swimming part of the Triathlon. Trying to learn swimming at 58 was a daunting task, even now open water swimming gives me the creeps.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE?
Getting my heart rate stabilized during open water swimming
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE POST RACE FOOD?
Pizza
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY.
I have my wife and two daughters. Kids are now grown up and independent. After my participation in Ironman, my younger daughter decided to do the half Ironman in Washington last year and completed it successfully.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL LIFE.
I retired from ExxonMobil in 2021, training for IM has kept me busy during the first few years of retired life, I love to travel, we have taken several trips along the way. I still love doing marathons, I take it slow but complete all of them. I try and find scenic marathons while on vacation. My plan is to compete in all 50 states, i have done so far 15 states.
WHAT IS SOMETHING NO ONE WOULD EVER GUESS/KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I have a docotral degree in Applied Mathematics
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS TEAM?
I have met a lot of athletes since joining Valhalla, and i love the dedication each one of them bring to this sport, and their willingness to share their experience and knowledge.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE AUTHOR?
Tom Clancy
WHATโS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
I love Thai Food, Ploy is my favorite restaurant I frequent in town.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
Several of my friends in my running group who started me on this journey are my inspiration.
WHAT EXCITING PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT YEAR?
In 2024 I plan to complete 3 Marathons, hike to the Everest Base Camp followed by another hike in French Alps.
